10 'Healthy Foods' That Are Actually Unhealthy

Summer is still on, and I'm pretty sure most of us still haven't lost hope in achieving that fit, healthy body that we hope for. If you know a decent amount about how weight loss works, you'll understand that adopting healthy eating habits is just as important as hitting the gym.

Eating healthy is not as easy to figure out as you think. There are certain 'healthy' foods that you may believe are a 100 per cent guilt-free, when in all reality, they're not.

Like seriously, who else feels like they can drink those creamy smoothies for breakfast for the rest of their lives?

But, unfortunately, I think you guys are missing a tiny bit of info about how these healthy foods work. Some of the snacks, fruits, and veggies (a shocker) we munch on, might actually be the culprit behind the stagnant numbers on our scales!

But y'all don't need to worry too much. Cosmo's done the work for you. While these yummy treats are not awful for you, they're best eaten in moderation if you want to get the body of your dreams and stay healthy:

1. CORN

Why it's bad: GMO GMO GMO

Ever went to a BBQ party while on a strict diet and thought; Eh, that corn-on-the-cob will do no harm. Well, think again. Chances are, the grilled corn you chose to eat contains A LOT of butter and oil. Plus, we eat corn in different forms as well, including in the form of popcorn, processed syrup, and breakfast cereals, all of which are packed with GMOs.

Just a quick reminder, corn is fed to cows to fatten them up, so we can only imagine how much of a negative effect it would have on our bodies.

2. ONIONS

Why it's bad: Constipation and other digestive problems

Bet you guys didn't even think twice about these huh? Onions are super flavourful, and add so much goodness to any dish we make. But, we tend to eat onions on other meals as well, like in our sandwiches, pasta sauces, and of course the famous onion rings (btw, opting for onions rings instead of just the usual fries doesn't mean lesser calories.)

According to Healthline, “Onions consist mostly of water, carbs, and fiber,” so they aren't THAT unhealthy, but they still lack superfood benefits. They also mentioned that onions contain fibers that feed the friendly bacteria in our guts, which can lead to digestion problems in some people.

3. SMOOTHIES

Why they're bad: Added sugars and syrups.

Ah, good ol' smoothies in the morning. Wait, are they not that good for you?

Yup, we're told by many internet sites that smoothies are the best way to consume fruits and veggies that we wouldn't eat on their own, but surprise, that doesn't mean they deserve a health halo. Most shop-bought smoothies are loaded with a whole lot of fruit, which may seem good, but don't forget the fact that some fruits have lots of natural sugars in them. To add to that, those smoothies we think were healthy, are actually packed with added sugars and syrup to make them taste amazing.

But don't worry, you don't have to eliminate smoothies all in all. Just make sure you have it fresh from home, where you can see exactly how much fruit or veggies you put in them.

4. COUSCOUS

Why it's bad: Carb heavy

If you're on a high protein, low carb diet and chose to eat couscous instead of that pasta you've been craving for, take our advice and just treat yourself with some pasta, because it's technically the same thing. You might think these steamed balls are a better alternative to white rice, but they're actually not. In fact, it has the same nutritional value as white pasta!We suggest you go for some quinoa instead if you fancy how couscous tastes.

5. FROZEN YOGHURT

Why it's bad: It's literally just ice-cream with lesser fat

Don't think you've saved yourself a lot of calories for choosing that cup of Pinkberry instead of your favourite London Dairy, because minus the saturated fat, you're more or less consuming the same amount of calories.

Btw, if you think you're consuming a probiotic-rich dessert, you're wrong because the freezing process used to make your Fro-Yo might have already killed off most of the healthy gut bacteria found in regular yoghurt. We suggest to just stick with your regular greek yoghurt for maximum health benefits.

6. RICE CAKES

Why they're bad: Super low on nutrients with a lot of salt

Am I the only one who thinks these taste, and smell like actual cardboard? For real, rice cakes are considered as the low-calorie substitute for bread, and many people swear by it. But the main problem with them is that you don't get any significant nutritional value from them.

Eating them on their own can also spike up your blood sugar levels and make you crave junk food, so be sure to pair these with a good source of protein or fibre if you don't want to eat literal air.

7. CHERRIES

Why they're bad: Has 17 grams of sugar per cup

Don't get us wrong, snacking on a handful of these vibrant red fruits won't hurt but there's a reason why cherries are so addictive; they have a lot of sugar. Even the fresh ones. Eat 'em in moderation and you're fine!

8. BRUSSEL SPROUTS

Why they're bad: Causes bloating and makes you gassy

I know what you're thinking, how can this harmless-looking veggie be bad for you? Well, technically it's not BAD, but if you're the type to get bloated quickly, then you might wanna avoid these. As a dietician and nutritionist Alissa Rumsey said to The Daily Meal, brussels sprouts are one of the worst veggies for bloating and gas. And nobody wants that.

9. MANGOES

Why they're bad: SUGAR OVERLOAD

So, one cup of mango contains more sugar than a pop-tart. Say what? Mangoes are a common in sushi rolls, smoothies, and guacamole, so it's pretty tricky to stay away from. Plus, these tropical fruits have 23 grams of sugar per serving, so it's a breeze to eat a whole lot of them in one sitting.

This might be the fruit to stay away from if you're on a calorie deficit, as one normal-sized mango contains 135 calories.

10. COCONUT

Why it's bad: Can lead to high cholesterol and heart diseases

There's been a lot of hype around coconut lately; coconut water, coconut energy bars, cooking with coconut oil, this fruit/nut/seed is being referred to as a superfood nowadays thanks to its health benefits. But in reality, coconuts are "loaded with heart-damaging saturated fat, sugar, and calories that hide behind its healthy, food co-op image," said NY Daily News.

It can be horrible for people who have a history of heart diseases as well, so you might want to consider the state of your health before cracking a coconut.